September 23-27

And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So, I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” – Mark 9:17-18 ESV

Without Jesus, We Are Hopeless
A man thought he could fix his old car with duct tape and some YouTube tutorials. He ended up with a car that looked like it had gone ten rounds with a sumo wrestler! In his desperation, he finally called a mechanic. This is a bit like our lives without Jesus. We try to patch things up, but it often turns into a big mess.

In Mark 9:17, we meet a desperate father bringing his possessed son to the disciples, only to find them unable to help. Imagine the hopelessness of this father as he watched his son struggle. The crowd surrounding them was filled with skepticism, much like the onlookers at our friend’s car disaster, probably shaking their heads. Jesus steps in, showing us that we are in a pitiful state without Him. Our attempts to solve our problems can leave us feeling defeated.

When we rely on our own strength, we miss the hope that comes from a relationship with Jesus. He alone can mend what’s broken in our lives, far better than any duct tape ever could!

Reflection
Are there areas in your life where you’re trying to manage without Jesus? How might that be affecting your hope?

Suggested Prayer
Dear Jesus, I often try to fix things on my own, only to find I’m in over my head. Thank You for being my source of hope and healing. Help me to remember that I don’t have to struggle alone. Teach me to turn to You in my moments of despair. Amen.

And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” – Mark 9:23-24 ESV

Without Faith, We Are Powerless
There are plenty of viral videos of cats trying to catch laser pointer dots. The cat is jumping and pouncing with all its might, but guess what? It never catches the dot! It reminds us of how we often chase after things in life without faith, expending energy but getting nowhere.

In Mark 9:23-24, we see the father’s anguish as he admits to Jesus, “I believe; help my unbelief!” This is a powerful moment of vulnerability and honesty. Jesus assures him that faith—even as small as a mustard seed—can lead to amazing outcomes. The father’s struggle mirrors our own; we often feel powerless against life’s challenges.

Faith isn't about having all the answers or perfect confidence; it's about trusting in Jesus despite our doubts. Just like that cat, we can spend a lot of energy chasing after solutions, only to find ourselves empty-handed. But with faith in Jesus, we can tap into a power beyond our own.

Reflection
What are you pursuing in life that requires a leap of faith? How can you cultivate that faith?

Suggested Prayer
Lord, I sometimes feel like that cat, chasing after solutions but coming up short. Help me to trust You more fully and to have faith that even my small efforts can lead to great things. Strengthen my belief in Your power and presence in my life. Amen.

And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” – Mark 9:28-29 ESV

Without Prayer, We Are Helpless
Last week, I saw a headline about a group of folks attempting to cook a gourmet meal without a recipe. You can guess how that turned out—let's just say it was less “MasterChef” and more “Master Mess!” They didn’t realize that having a guide can be crucial, especially in the kitchen.

In Mark 9:28-29, after Jesus casts out the demon, He tells His disciples that some things can only be accomplished through prayer. This shows us how vital communication with God is in our lives. Just like those aspiring chefs needed a recipe, we need prayer to guide us through life’s challenges.

Prayer isn’t just about asking for things; it’s a way to connect with our Creator, seek His guidance, and draw strength from Him. When we neglect prayer, we operate on our own, and let’s be honest—our “dishes” often end up a bit burnt!

Reflection
How often do you turn to prayer for guidance in your daily life? What could you change to make prayer a priority?

Suggested Prayer
Heavenly Father, I recognize that I often try to tackle challenges without turning to You in prayer. Forgive me for the times I’ve relied on my own understanding. Help me to make prayer a priority, seeking Your wisdom and guidance in every aspect of my life. Amen.

And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. – Mark 9:14-15 ESV

The Power of Community in Our Faith Journey
In David Brooks’s book, The Second Mountain, he describes the dinner table of Kathy Fletcher and David Simpson, where “on any given Thursday night there will be about twenty-six kids sitting around the dinner table.” These are kids without the means or family structures to eat around a table themselves. After the meal, they might play music. Some might sing. All will share stories, and newcomers are welcome. This paints a picture of the kind of community a church can be, where we need each other.

In Mark 9:14-29, the father’s plea for help takes place in front of a crowd. This illustrates the importance of community in our faith. When we’re struggling, sharing our burdens can lighten our load. The disciples' failure to heal the boy reflects how we often need support from our church family to grow in faith.

Just like the kids in The Second Mountain needed someone to give them a sense of family, we need each other to strengthen our faith. In community, we can pray for one another, share experiences, and encourage each other on our spiritual journeys.

Reflection
Who in your community can you reach out to for support, and how can you encourage others in their faith?

Suggested Prayer
Lord, thank You for the gift of community. Help me to build connections with fellow believers and to be a source of support and encouragement. May we come together in prayer and love, uplifting each other as we walk in faith. Amen.

And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” – Mark 9:25 ESV

Jesus—Our Source of Strength
A retired couple decided that they should walk two miles a day to stay in shape. They chose to walk a mile out on a lonely country road so they would have no choice but to walk back. At the one-mile mark on their first venture, the man asked his wife, "Do you think you can make it back all right, or are you too tired?" "Oh, no," she said. "I'm not tired. I can make it fine." "Good," he replied. "I'll wait here. You go back, get the car and come get me." (Joyce Redding, Reader's Digest)

In Mark 9:25, Jesus demonstrates His strength in the face of chaos. When the father brings his son to the disciples, they are unable to help. Yet, when Jesus steps in, He transforms the situation entirely. We often forget that our true strength comes from Him. When we feel weak or overwhelmed, it’s vital to remember that with Jesus, we have access to a power that can change our circumstances.

There are times when we might stumble and struggle on our own. But with Jesus, we can stand firm, knowing we don’t have to do it alone. Jesus will give us the strength we need.

Reflection
In what areas of your life do you need to lean more heavily on Jesus for strength?

Suggested Prayer
Gracious Lord, thank You for being my source of strength. Help me to remember that I don’t have to face challenges on my own. Teach me to rely on Your power and to find comfort in knowing that with You, nothing is impossible. Amen.